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Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grant Program

What is the Recreational Trails grant program?
The Recreational Trails Program is a matching assistance program that provides funding for the acquisition and/or development of multi-use recreational trail projects. Both motorized and non-motorized projects may qualify for assistance. The assistance program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Where are funds from?
The RTP funding represents a portion of the revenue received by the Federal Highway Trust Fund from the federal motor fuel excise tax paid by users of off-road recreational vehicles such as snowmobiles, off-road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and off-road light trucks. These monies are made available from Indiana's share of funds from the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) as a set-aside of the new Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) (23 U.S.C. 213).

How is funding received?
The project sponsor will not receive a cash grant at the time of project approval. Instead, the sponsor must pay the bills and then be reimbursed for a maximum of 80% of the expenses incurred for the project according to the terms of the project agreement.

What are local sources of funding?
At the time of application the project sponsor must have at least 20% of the total project cost available. The local share may include tax sources, bond issues, Community Development Funds, Farmers Home Administration Loans, or force account contributions. The donated value of land, cash, labor, equipment and materials may also be used.

Grant funding amounts
The RTP will provide 80% reimbursement for eligible projects. Applicants may request a minimum of $50,000 and maximum of $200,000 in grant assistance. Applications must be submitted by May 1.

Who is eligible?
All units of government and agencies incorporated as 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporations are eligible to participate.

Who administers the program?
The Governor of Indiana has designated the Indiana Department of Natural Resources through its Division of Outdoor Recreation to administer the program.

What types of projects may be funded?
Projects will be eligible if they provide public access to trails. Funds from RTP can be used for:

Construction of multi-use trails

Acquisition of easement or property for trails

Development of trailheads and other support facilities (parking, water fountains, benches, signage, etc.)

Operation of educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection related to trails (limited to 5% of State's funds)

Providing stream and river access sites

Construction of bridges, boardwalks and crossings

All facilities should be universally designed to accommodate all people. Facilities, programs and activities funded through this program must be open to the public without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age or disability.

How do I apply?
The RTP manual online serves as the guidelines and application. Please use this document to complete your application. The appendix has all the forms needed to apply.

If you want to know more about the RTP grant or want to discuss potential projects, contact: